7 Iconic Buddhist Stupas in India You Must Visit

India’s cultural, spiritual, and historical richness has long captivated travelers who seek more than just picturesque landscapes, but also a deep connection with the country’s diverse religious heritage. At the heart of India’s spiritual landscape is Buddhism, one of the world’s most influential religions, and the birthplace of Lord Buddha. 

India is home to many sacred sites, Buddhist stupas & temples, each symbolizing the enduring legacy of Buddhist teachings. These famous stupas in India are not just architectural masterpieces but also important centers of pilgrimage and meditation. From the revered Sanchi Stupa to the tranquil Shanti Stupa in Ladakh, each stupa invites visitors to explore the path of enlightenment. 

Let’s take a journey through these iconic Buddhist stupas in India and uncover their historical, spiritual, and cultural significance.

Sanchi Stupa, Madhya Pradesh

The Great Stupa of Sanchi, built in the 3rd century BCE under the patronage of Emperor Ashoka, is one of India’s most iconic and ancient Buddhist stupas. Located in Madhya Pradesh, this UNESCO World Heritage Site exemplifies the rich cultural and spiritual legacy of the Mauryan Empire. 

Architectural Features

• Hemispherical Dome (Anda): The massive dome symbolizes the universe and represents the cycle of life and death, a core concept in Buddhist philosophy.
• Toranas (Gateways): The four elaborately carved gateways, positioned at the cardinal directions, narrate scenes from Buddha’s life and Jataka tales through intricate reliefs.
• Harmika and Chatra: Atop the dome, the square Harmika symbolizes the Bodhi tree, while the triple-tiered Chatra represents the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha—the three pillars of Buddhism.
• Circumambulatory Path (Medhi): The raised path around the stupa allows devotees to perform pradakshina (circumambulation), signifying reverence and devotion.
• Ashokan Pillar: Standing near the southern gateway, the Ashokan Pillar features a finely polished lion capital, which has become India’s national emblem. The inscriptions on the pillar highlight Emperor Ashoka’s efforts to promote Buddhist teachings.

Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh

Located in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, the Dhamek Stupa is one of India’s most significant Buddhist monuments. Situated about 9 km from Varanasi, this stupa marks the sacred spot where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon to his five disciples after attaining enlightenment in Bodh Gaya. Commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in 249 BCE and later reconstructed in 500 CE, Dhamek Stupa stands as a symbol of Buddhism’s early spread across India and remains a revered pilgrimage site.

Architectural Features

• Massive Cylindrical Structure: Standing 43.6 meters high with a diameter of 28 meters, Dhamek Stupa is one of the tallest and largest stupas in India. Its towering form and solid, cylindrical shape dominate the Sarnath landscape.
• Brick and Stone Construction: The stupa is built from a combination of red bricks and stone. The lower section, believed to be a remnant of Ashoka’s original structure, contrasts with the upper section, which showcases later Gupta-era craftsmanship.
• Floral and Figurative Carvings: The stone facade is intricately carved with floral patterns, typical of Gupta art. The wall also features depictions of humans, birds, and inscriptions in the ancient Brahmi script, showcasing the blend of artistic and spiritual symbolism.
• Unfinished Upper Section: Despite multiple enlargements over centuries, the upper portion of the stupa remains incomplete, adding a unique element to its historical narrative and visual appeal.

Shanti Stupa, Leh, Jammu, and Kashmir

The Shanti Stupa in Ladakh, a striking white-domed structure, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the region. Built-in 1991 by Japanese Buddhist monk Gyomyo Nakamura as part of the Peace Pagoda initiative, the stupa stands as a symbol of peace and a testament to the cultural bond between Japan and Ladakh. Enshrined within the stupa are sacred relics of Lord Buddha, consecrated by the 14th Dalai Lama, making it a revered spiritual site.

Architectural Features

The Shanti Stupa is a two-tiered architectural marvel, blending traditional Buddhist design with modern construction techniques:

• First Level:

At the center of the first level is a golden statue of Buddha, seated in a meditative posture on a pedestal representing the Dharmachakra (Wheel of Dharma). This symbolizes the turning of the wheel of Buddhist teachings and is a focal point for worshippers.

• Second Level:

The second tier features intricate relief panels depicting significant moments from Buddha’s life, including:

• Buddha’s Birth: A visual representation of his early life and the beginning of his journey toward enlightenment.
• Mahanirvana (Buddha’s Passing): Depicting his peaceful transition into nirvana, symbolizing liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
• Buddha’s Victory Over Evil: Showcasing Buddha’s triumph over demonic forces during intense meditation, highlighting his spiritual strength and perseverance.

Both levels are adorned with a series of smaller reliefs featuring meditating Buddha figures, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere that reflects the essence of Buddhist teachings.

Chaukhandi Stupa, Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh

The Chaukhandi Stupa is revered as one of the most sacred monuments in Buddhist heritage, standing as a testament to an essential moment in the Buddha’s journey. This ancient structure marks the spot where Lord Buddha reunited with his five ascetic companions after attaining enlightenment. This reunion eventually led to Buddha delivering his first teachings, known as the Dharmachakra Pravartana, at the nearby Deer Park, setting the foundation for the Buddhist Sangha.

The square base of the stupa is a relic of its early design. Over time, significant modifications were made to the structure, most notably during the Mughal era. The combination of Buddhist symbolism and Mughal architectural influence highlights the stupa’s layered historical context​.

Architectural Features

The Chaukhandi Stupa’s architectural style reflects its evolution over centuries, blending Gupta and Mughal elements:

• Shape and Structure: Named after its square (chaukhand) shape, the stupa is built on a rectangular plinth. It features a three-tiered platform, each 12 feet wide and 12 feet high, giving it a stepped appearance.
• Material Composition: The core structure is made of solid brickwork bound by clay mortar, making it vulnerable to erosion. Due to its fragility, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has undertaken its preservation and maintenance.
• Octagonal Tower: The highlight of the stupa is its octagonal tower, a unique Mughal addition that contrasts with traditional Buddhist architectural forms. This tower, supported by hollow cells, stands as a tribute to the region’s cultural syncretism.
• Height and Dimensions: The stupa reaches a height of approximately 200 feet, with its broad base and elevated terraces adding to its imposing presence. The combination of simple brickwork and intricate design elements offers a fascinating study of ancient construction techniques

Ramabhar Stupa, Kushinagar Uttar Pradesh

Located in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, the Ramabhar Stupa is a significant Buddhist monument, deeply revered for its association with Lord Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana (final passing). Situated about 1 km from Wat Thai Temple and 2 km from the Parinirvana Stupa & Temple, this stupa marks the spot where Buddha’s mortal remains were cremated in 483 BCE. Constructed by the Malla Kings, who ruled Kushinagar during Buddha’s time, this stupa is mentioned in ancient Buddhist texts as Mukut-Bandhan Chaitya or Mukta-Bandhan Vihara.

Architectural Features

• The Ramabhar Stupa is an impressive brick structure, standing 14.9 meters tall and built atop a mound near the Kushinagar-Deoria road. 
• Its circular base, or drum, has a significant diameter, measuring 34.14 meters at the top and expanding to 47.24 meters at the base, giving the stupa a solid and enduring presence.
• The stupa’s design reflects the simplicity and grandeur typical of early Buddhist architecture.
• Constructed with layers of brickwork, it stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of the Malla era. Surrounding the stupa, there is a water body believed to have influenced its name, adding to the tranquil and reflective ambiance of the site.

Mahabodhi Stupa, Bodh Gaya

The Mahabodhi Stupa in Bodhgaya stands as a beacon of spiritual significance, marking the very spot where Siddhartha Gautama, later known as the Buddha, attained enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree. Built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, this sacred stupa is one of the earliest and most revered Buddhist monuments in the world, symbolizing the transformative moment of Buddha’s awakening from worldly suffering.

Architectural Features

• Height and Structure: The Mahabodhi Stupa rises to a height of 55 meters (180 feet), making it one of the tallest and most prominent structures in Bodhgaya.
• Pyramid Shape: The stupa is designed with a pyramid-like structure, symbolizing the path to enlightenment.
• Golden Finial: At the top, a golden finial (spire) symbolizes the ultimate achievement of enlightenment.
• Carved Reliefs: The stupa’s surface is adorned with intricate carvings and reliefs depicting Buddhist teachings and symbolism.
• Life-sized Buddha Statues: Four large statues of Buddha, placed on each of the stupa’s cardinal sides, represent significant moments in the Buddha’s life, such as his birth, enlightenment, and teachings.
• Stone Railings: The base of the stupa is surrounded by stone railings with carvings that illustrate key stories from Buddhist lore.
• Lotus Designs: Lotus motifs are frequently incorporated in the carvings and structures, symbolizing purity and spiritual awakening.
• Mandala-like Pattern: The stupa’s design reflects a mandala, a spiritual symbol representing the universe, with its concentric layers signifying spiritual progression.
• Votive Shrines: Small shrines and stupas can be found surrounding the main stupa, offering spaces for meditation and prayer.
• Bodhi Tree: The original Bodhi tree, under which Buddha attained enlightenment, remains a prominent feature in the temple complex, adding to the site’s spiritual and architectural significance.

Dro-Drul Chorten Stupa, Sikkim

Do Drul Chorten Stupa, located 3 km from Gangtok’s SNT Bus Station in Sikkim, was constructed in 1945 CE by Trulshik Rinpoche, the head of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. Legend has it that the area was once haunted by evil spirits, with many wandering souls falling victim to supernatural forces. Trulshik Rinpoche, upon arriving at the site for hermitage, built the stupa to banish these spirits and restore peace to the land. Today, it stands as one of the largest and most revered stupas in Gangtok, a central site for both local and pilgrim visitors.

Architectural Features

• Stupa Structure: The stupa is notable for its large white structure topped with a golden dome. Its design follows traditional Tibetan Buddhist architecture, with a circular base supporting the dome, visible from multiple vantage points in Gangtok.
• Deity: The golden dome of the stupa houses the deity Dorjee Phurpa (Vajra Kilaya), representing the destruction of evil forces. This enshrined figure is central to the stupa’s spiritual significance.
• Religious Artifacts: Inside the stupa, Kanjur holy books, relics, mantras, and various sacred objects, reinforce the spiritual importance of this site.
• Prayer Wheels: Surrounding the stupa are 108 prayer wheels, each inscribed with the powerful mantra “Om Mani Padma Hum.” Pilgrims and visitors spin these wheels to invoke blessings and offer prayers.
• Chorten Lakhang: This sacred hall surrounding the stupa features two large statues of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), enhancing the stupa’s connection to Tibetan Buddhism’s spiritual lineage.
• Jhang Chup Chorten: A smaller stupa commemorating Trulshik Rinpoche after his passing, located adjacent to the main stupa.
• Dharma Preaching Center: After Trulshik Rinpoche’s death, Dodhrubchen Rinpoche established a Dharma center within the stupa’s grounds, with a capacity for around 700 monks to gather for religious teachings.

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